Tobacco use in Afghanistan

Few studies have been conducted to estimate the prevalence of smoking in Afghanistan. Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) 2004 held in schools of five provinces of Afghanistan that covered students of class 8-9-10 of age 13 to 15 years show a prevalence of 27.8 %. The study also indicates exposure to ETS (Exposure to Second hand smoke); 4 out of 10 students live in homes where others smoke in their presence; almost 5 of 10 students are exposed to smoke in public places and over 2 of 10 have parents who smoke.

Another unpublished study by Welayatee et all in general population of Kabul City the capital of Afghanistan shows the prevalence of cigarette smoking was 37.1% and the prevalence of current smokers was 22.1% among males aged 18 years and older. Naswar (moist snuff) was another common form of tobacco used by adult males with overall prevalence of 12.9% . Among smokers Naswar use was higher (10.5%) compared to non-smokers (2.5%). Those whom most of their friends smoke were 5.3 times more likely to be current smokers compared to those whom none of their friends smoke, when adjusted for other variables. Most (86%) of the current smokers started smoking before their 20th birthday.